Casa Iscaja is a contemporary villa in an extraordinary position very near Playa Carrillo on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Pacific coastline. It has very welcoming living spaces finished with bespoke, elegant furniture. All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms. The unique breath-taking views from the generous terraces over the sparkling salt water infinity pool and lush vegetation to the ocean beyond are truly spectacular. Daily cleaning and breakfast is included. Tours can be arranged. The space Our stunning home in the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world's only five Blue Zones, creates the perfect setting for your dream holiday to Costa Rica. Built in an outstanding position above Puerto Carrillo on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Pacific coastline, Casa Iscaja has 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and wonderful, welcoming living spaces finished with bespoke, elegant furniture and fittings. The breath-taking views from the generous terraces over the sparkling infinity pool and lush vegetation to the ocean beyond are truly spectacular. Designed by a well-known British architect, Casa Iscaja is contemporary in style with accents inspired by Costa Rican architecture. The house was completed in spring 2020 with interiors curated by a Nosara-based interior design agency using custom made furniture throughout. You will find some of the most beautiful beaches that are also safe for swimming within easy reach of the house: Playa Carrillo and Playa Samara are 5 and 15 minutes away respectively and Camaronal which is amazing for surfing is also very close by. The area is also home to a wide and tempting variety of restaurants serving local, Japanese, Thai, French, Italian, Spanish and Mexican food. Grocery shops can be found in Carrillo, Estrada and Samara. There are a tremendous range of activities to enjoy and Gerardo and Elieth, our housekeepers , will gladly help arrange any of the following for you:- Surfing Fishing Diving and snorkeling Horseback riding - you will be picked up from the house Trekking/hiking Bird watching Whale watching - you might actually see them from our terraces! Dolphin and turtle watching Yoga sessions and massages can be arranged at the house Visits to the Macaw Recovery network – rather wonderfully, macaws are now spotted regularly in the area. Gerardo can also arrange for you to be collected from the airport and there are car rental agencies in Samara which usually can arrange for your car to be dropped off at the house. Wonderful Elieth will make delicious breakfasts for you and she can (after consultation with her) prepare lunch or dinner at extra cost. Groceries would then have to be purchased and provided by the guest. Casa Iscaja is available for rent throughout the year and is perfect for private retreats as well as for families and friends. However, we would ask you to bear in mind that because of the location, the house is not recommended for children under the age of 6. A 4 WD car is recommended. The drive from Liberia (Guanacaste) Airport is under 2 hours and from San Jose Juan Santamaria Airport 4 hours. We look forward to welcoming you to our small piece of Costa Rican paradise. Other things to note Lunch or dinner can be prepared for you at extra cost (after consultation with Elieth).

## The Space

Casa Iscaja is a modern villa situated in an exceptional location near Playa Carrillo, along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Pacific coastline. The villa offers inviting living areas furnished with custom, elegant pieces. Each bedroom includes an ensuite bathroom.

The spacious terraces provide breathtaking views over the shimmering saltwater infinity pool, lush greenery, and the ocean beyond. Daily cleaning and breakfast are included, and tours can be arranged upon request.

This stunning home is located in the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s five Blue Zones, making it an ideal setting for a memorable Costa Rican vacation. Positioned above Puerto Carrillo, Casa Iscaja features four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. The interiors were completed in spring 2020, designed by a renowned British architect with influences from Costa Rican architecture, and curated by a Nosara-based interior design agency using custom furniture throughout.

## Location

Casa Iscaja is conveniently close to some of the most beautiful and safe beaches for swimming:

- Playa Carrillo (5 minutes away)
- Playa Samara (15 minutes away)
- Playa Camaronal (nearby, great for surfing)

The surrounding area offers a diverse selection of restaurants serving local, Japanese, Thai, French, Italian, Spanish, and Mexican cuisine. Grocery stores can be found in Carrillo, Estrada, and Samara.

## Amenities and Services

- Four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms
- Saltwater infinity pool
- Generous terraces with ocean views
- Daily cleaning service
- Breakfast prepared by Elieth, the housekeeper
- Optional lunch or dinner prepared by Elieth at an additional cost (groceries to be provided by guests)
- Custom, elegant furniture and fittings throughout the villa

## Activities and Experiences

Gerardo and Elieth, the housekeepers, are happy to assist with arranging a variety of activities, including:

- Surfing
- Fishing
- Diving and snorkeling
- Horseback riding (pickup from the house included)
- Trekking and hiking
- Bird watching
- Whale watching (possible to see from the terraces)
- Dolphin and turtle watching
- Yoga sessions and massages at the villa
- Visits to the Macaw Recovery Network, where macaws are now regularly spotted in the area

## Additional Information

- Airport transfers can be arranged by Gerardo.
- Car rental agencies in Samara often offer vehicle drop-off at the villa.
- A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended due to the location.
- The drive from Liberia (Guanacaste) Airport takes under two hours.
- The drive from San Jose Juan Santamaria Airport takes approximately four hours.
- Casa Iscaja is available for rent year-round and is suitable for private retreats, families, and groups of friends.
- The villa is not recommended for children under six years old due to its location.

We look forward to welcoming you to this tranquil corner of Costa Rica.

John

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Maximum Occupancy

4BR luxury villa in Malae

Luxury villa overlooking the Pacific with chef. - Villas for Rent in Puerto Carrillo, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica

We had a wonderful 10 days in Casa Iscaja, Carrillo village and beach are quiet and very friendly local vibe, The house, pool and views are perfect for lazy days and lots of tours and activities nearby - surfing, kayak, whale watching .... Perfect family holiday

Cillian, thank you very much for your very kind words about your stay in Casa Iscaja. So glad to hear how much you’ve enjoyed the various activities in the area.

John’s place was honestly amazing—one of the best Airbnbs we’ve stayed at. The house is beautiful, super clean, and even better than the photos. It just felt easy and relaxing the whole time. Elieth and Girrado really made the stay though. They were awesome—super friendly, helpful, and always around if we needed anything. They went above and beyond and made everything feel taken care of. Would 100% recommend staying here. We’ll definitely be back.

Thank you so much Jonathan, for your happy review. It was a pleasure to host you and we hope to see you again!

We had a wonderfully peaceful week in pristine surroundings. The house was immaculate and very well set up to ensure each guest privacy as every room was en suite. The staff took great care of us. We had a beautiful breakfast prepared daily. They also booked our excursions for us. They ensured daily that our needs were all being taken care of. The house itself is phenomenal. Beautifully decorated, comfortable, and peaceful. We also hosted a birthday dinner, and the owners were accommodating in helping us to find a local chef, flowers, and musician. I highly recommend this beautiful country and home. I cannot express enough how well we were taken care of and how comfortable each guest felt. Pure vida! Warmest regards, Diana Walker

You were superbly nice guests and we loved hosting you. Thank you so much for your nice and kind words. We certainly hope to welcome you back in the future. Warmest regards, Carla and John

What an incredible stay our family of 7 had at Casa Iscaja!  It was absolutely gorgeous and we are missing the views already. A cup of coffee, with that amazing view, watching the monkeys in the trees from the balcony…doesn’t get better than that. We were there with our 4 young children and felt very safe and comfortable the whole time. It was so peaceful, super clean, and Elieth made us some delicious breakfasts during our stay. We would love to stay again the next time our travels bring us to Costa Rica. Thank you!

It’s so lovely to hear that your family had such a great time in Casa Iscaja! We hope to welcome you again!

Paradise. This may be our best AirBnB ever. CR is a beautiful country with friendly welcoming people. Casa Iscaja is a private, luxurious haven offering a peaceful escape from a hectic world. The home is exactly as pictured and is perfectly maintained and meticulously cleaned by the wonderful on-site caretakers who are around as much or as little as requested.  Eli is also a great cook. The owners are friendly and helpful with fast and clear communication. We loved our time there so much, we extended our stay by a week. We highly recommend Casa Iscaja and look forward to an opportunity to come back.

Thank you so much for your generous and gracious review! We couldn’t have nicer guests, than yourselves! We would love to welcome you back again!

Absolutely Stunning! We hit a home run with Casa Iscaja! Such a beautiful clean home with the most spectacular views. We were lucky to see whales and monkeys everyday and some amazing sunsets It is close to town and beaches but far enough away to feel secluded It is truly heaven on earth. The hosts Carla and John were wonderful very responsive. They checked in on us and made sure we didn’t need anything The home was perfect. There was plenty of area for 6 of us and plenty of shade to get out of the afternoon sun. The pool was absolutely amazing! The house is maintained extremely well the landscaping is beautiful and kept up the house is well appointed with everything we needed Elieth and Gerardo were the icing on the top! They are so kind and worked very hard everyday to keep everything clean and tidy even throughout the terrible wind storms Breakfast was very delicious every morning! Elieth did our laundry We were so spoiled! Without hesitation we would stay here again!

We are so happy to hear how much all of you have enjoyed your stay in Casa Iscaja! Thank you so much for your very kind and enthusiastic review! We, of course would love to host you again!

The place was incredible. Eli and Gerardo were very professional and helpful. From preparing scrumptious breakfasts to setting up our tours with excellent local guides, they made our vacation great. The home was well appointed and decorated. The view, the pool, the house, and the hospitality were all exceptional. Thank you for welcoming our family. We hope to be back sometime soon!

Thank you so much Steven, for your very kind words. So wonderful to know how much your family have enjoyed your vacation in Casa Iscaja! We’d love to welcome you again!

The property was truly beautiful and the views breathtaking. Perfect for two families, we had privacy in the 4 bedrooms with private baths. Outside space was comfortable to lounge watching the sunset and plenty of shaded areas to hide from the warm sun. Elieth’s breakfasts were delicious to start the day. The grounds and property were spotless and very well maintained. Very quiet area surrounded by nature. Short drive from Carrillo beach where you can enjoy the beautiful ocean. Would go back in a heartbeat.

thank you so much for your lovely words. always delighted when our guests have enjoyed the comforts of Casa Iscaja and the beauty of the area and we would of course love to welcome you again!

The house was everything it looks to be . It has great outdoor space with an amazing views. It is certainly a luxurious wonderful place to stay. From opening your curtains in the morning to seeing the ocean you can spend the whole day taking all the scenery in whilst listening to ocean waves. John and Carla were always very responsive and always happy to help you out. I would highly recommend the house ..you definitely won't be disappointed.

Thank you Jennie,  for your kind words. It has been such a pleasure to host you and we love it when our guests appreciate the special location of the house and the surroundings as much as we do.

Wonderful house, exactly as described. Spectacular view, perfectly clean, great pool. Thanks again.

Thank you so much, Alec! We hope to host you again. Best wishes, Carla&John

John and Carla were wonderful hosts before we even arrived. My family and I were receiving information and communication was clear on how to get to the house, what was included, and recommendations for the area. The house was absolutely beautiful, very peaceful, rooms were spotless, and we were welcomed with open arms from both Gerardo and Elieth. Gerardo and Elieth could not have been more welcoming and friendly. They both made sure we had everything we needed, laundry was done, and the house was always spotless. Elieth made us a wonderful breakfast each morning and we paid extra to have her cook dinner one night for us (she made a local Costa Rican dish with both vegetarian options and beef options for a very reasonable price- $80 for 5 people). Gerardo always made sure the outside steps were clean and dry so no one slipped. Neither spoke English but we had a great time learning Spanish and had no issues communicating with either of them. I cannot recommend this home enough!!

Thank you so much Rachel, for your very words! We loved renting our house to you and you are more than welcome to come back again!

Absolutely fantastic stay. Great location close to beaches and activities. Enjoyed the pool during day, and enjoyed movie room in evenings as a family. Housekeepers were fantastic and very helpful at every moment we needed them but never intrusive. Would highly recommend without hesitation.

Thank you for your lovely review! So glad that all have had a great time despite the delay you’ve had. Hope to host you again!

We had a wonderful stay at John's place. It was exactly like the pictures, it was beautiful, peaceful and surrounded by nature. We were able to easily get into town and loved the quaint restaurants and shops. It is an incredible rental with everything you need and more! One note - we are not used to having full-time staff at our rentals (we have stayed in many with staff that is accessible if needed) so that was a big adjustment. The caretakers were very helpful but at times we felt like we were walking on eggshells and were not able to really settle in with their oversight. The pro was incredible breakfasts and other meals as well as help if anything came up. The language barrier was also a struggle as they speak no English and we speak very little Spanish. Just something to think about if you have not stayed in places with live in staff.

Dear Heather, thank you so much for your very nice review. I wish you would have told us during your stay that you felt slightly uncomfortable with too much attention by our staff. We could have easily asked them to restrict their presence during the day. We really hope to welcome you back to Casa Iscaja in the future!

We had an incredible stay at this beautiful house in Costa Rica! The location was perfect, nestled in a serene area that offered both privacy and easy access to local attractions. Whether we were relaxing by the pool, enjoying the lush surroundings, or heading out to explore, everything was within reach. The house itself was stunning, with spacious rooms and a modern design that blended perfectly with the natural beauty outside. It was fully equipped with everything we needed, making us feel right at home. The hosts were incredibly accommodating, going above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed. From helpful recommendations on things to do nearby to their quick responses to any questions, they made our stay even more enjoyable. Overall, we couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay, and we’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful, well-located retreat in Costa Rica!

Dear Lindsey, thank you so much for your kind and beautifully written review which reflects so well what we intended to achieve when we started this project. We hope to welcome you again to Casa Iscaja in the future!

Elieth and Gerardo taking care of the villa on site are extraordinary of kindness. Very attentive and providing services. Unfortunately, we had a power and water outage one day from 8am to 5pm and Elieth had prepared water supplies for us in advance. Unfortunately, the access road had also suffered disturbances so we couldn't get out that day as we had planned. But Gerardo was able to inquire and help us with all our requests. Extraordinary stay and sunsets to fall…

Élieth et Gerardo qui s’occupent de la villa sur place sont extraordinaires de gentillesse. Très à l’écoute et rendants services. Nous avons malheureusement eu une coupure d’électricité et d’eau un jour de 8h à 17h et Elieth nous avait préparé des réserves d’eau par avance. Malheureusement, la route d’accès avait également subi des désordres donc nous n’avons pas pu sortir ce jour là comme nous l’avions prévu. Mais Gerardo a pu nous renseigner et nous aider pour toutes nos demandes. Séjour extraordinaire et couchers de soleil à tomber…

Thank you very much for your stay; it was a pleasure to host all of you! The electricity issue unfortunately affected the whole area and fortunately does not happen often… one of those things beyond our control…

Absolutely fantastic week with our family!! We hope to visit again!!

Thank you very much Wendy! We would love to host you and your family again!

From the moment we arrived at Casa Iscaja we knew our week was going to be special.  The place is absolutely beautiful and the views are breathtaking!  The layout was also perfect for our aged parents as the master suite, kitchen and pool access are all in the same level- no stairs.  Gerardo and Elieth do a wonderful job taking care of the place and did a wonderful job taking care of us!  We loved waking up and enjoying Elieth’s delicious breakfasts as a family every morning.  Casa Iscaja is an only short drive to Samara and Playa Islita.  Playa Islita happens to be one of our favorite beaches in Costa Rica and is a must if you stay at Casa Iscaja.  This was by far one of the best places we have ever stayed at in Costa Rica.  Thank you John and Carla for sharing your amazing home with us!

That is such a very kind  review, Rachael. It has been a true pleasure to have hosted you! Thank you again and we’d love to host you again!

We had a wonderful week at this wonderful villa ! The views were spectacular and the accommodations were 5 star. It was such a treat to have breakfast made every morning and both Elieth and her husband couldn’t have been more helpful and accommodating .

We are always so thankful for having very kind people, like you, staying in Casa Iscaja, and you’re most welcome to return!

An amazing property!  Endless views of the ocean and excellent  amenities. The pool was a huge hit with my grandchildren. Quick and easy access to Carillo beach. Thoroughly enjoyed this property and it was beyond our expectations.  Would stay here again without doubt!

Thank you so much, Grant, for your very kind words! We always appreciate it very much when our guests are as happy as we always are in our house, and enjoy the incredible views, the nature, the beauty of this small part of Costa Rica as much as we all do. It has been a great pleasure to have hosted you and your family and we would love to welcome you again. How very thoughtful and generous of you to give Elieth and Gerardo such a kind tip! We know that they are very appreciative to you. And so are we! Warmest wishes from both of us to you and your family, Carla and John

We had such an incredible experience, we already want to go back. The view from the house was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The infinity pool overlooking 180degree views of the ocean was so relaxing. The lush green trees were so peaceful. We saw monkeys jumping in the trees, woke up to birds chirping every morning.  The owners were quick to reply to any question I had and had great recommendations for restaurants and activities.  Ellie and Gerardo who live on property took great care of us. Once we arrived, they helped us book extra things. They helped book massages to the house one day. They helped book a sunset cruise where we got to see dolphins and caught 3 yellowfin!   We requested Ellie’s cooking skills for two dinners and Gerardo made an amazing ceviche, fresh fish from a local boat.  The house was well thought out and very clean. We had everything we needed and more.  Felt cared for while staying there. One of our favorite trips to date. Thank you for everything!

Thank you Carly, for your lovely review. It has been a pleasure to host you and we hope to host you again!

Casa Iscaja is truly a special slice of Costa Rican paradise! The layout and design of the home are one-of-a-kind, not to mention the breathtaking and expansive views of the coastline, with a combination of crashing ocean waves, blue skies, and rich jungle. We saw monkeys, hummingbirds, crabs, and all sorts of jungle critters without even leaving the property. Elieth and Gerardo made the place feel like a real home -- like clockwork every morning, they prepared scrumptious breakfasts and cleared the grounds of leaves and debris. They organized activities for us and went the extra mile with flowers and a cleaning of the main BR when my mom and sister arrived mid-week. We appreciated them so much! The location couldn't be more perfect and is well worth the 2-hour drive from Liberia. It feels so peaceful and remote, yet Playa Carrillo and the sleepy surf town of Samara are just a short drive away. We had a magnificent and memorable stay. Thank you!

Thank you so much, Emily; it was such a true pleasure to host you and your family! We hope you will return; we would love to host you again!

We had an amazing time at Casa Iscaja! The views from the Villa are stunning, and the pool is incredible. The villa is exactly as described. Gerardo and Elieth were a pleasure, and having breakfast provided every morning was a treat. Elieth helped to arrange horseback riding for our group, and it was the highlight of our trip. Casa Iscaja is truly a Costa Rican paradise.

Hi Emily, Thank you so much for your very lovely words. It was a true pleasure to host all of you. Always welcome to return!

This home was stunning and the views were unreal! The sunsets looked fake they were so unbelievably gorgeous! Elle and Gerardo are in an apartment downstairs and were just great. They stay out of your way, but are around if you need them. They hooked my family up with a nearby fishing trip and guide, cooked breakfast every morning and even cooked us the fish my family caught for dinner one night. The house is immaculately clean. The infinity pool is relaxing and beautiful. The rooms are super, air conditioned, and very comfortable. We had a party of seven and all were very pleased. We could not have asked for a better location, home and atmosphere. I hope to return and stay longer next time! Thank you all!

Thank you Tyeise for your lovely and enthusiastic review! It always makes us happy to hear that our guests have had a great time! We hope to welcome you again!

I don’t know where to begin with this house! It was a dream, an absolute stunning out of this world dream. This house was everything and more. It was designed to perfection, our family of 5 enjoyed it and we built memories there that will last a lifetime. Carla and John were wonderful host. Their housekeepers Elieth and Getarldo were the kindest and more attentive humans we have ever met. The natural sounds of the jungle and the ocean when you step foot on the balcony was breathtaking. The pool was next level. And OMG the view from the house and nightly sunsets was nothing short of amazing. We would stay here over and over again given the opportunity. If you’re thinking about booking, you will not be disappointed here. The bathrooms and rooms were clean and so well designed and spacious. We loved everything about this place!! Amazing amazing amazing!

Thank you so much Raiza, for your very kind and very generous words. It always makes us happy to hear how much our guests have enjoyed their stay! We really hope to host you again!

Such an amazing and peaceful vacation! Definitely need a 4 wheel drive car to get up the hill to the house. Breakfast was amazing everyday. The pool looks like it belongs at a 5 star resort. The rooms were very clean. There is a beautiful beach nearby and tons of restaurants to try. I would absolutely come back!

Thank you, Caroline for your kind and generous review. It has been a delight to have you and your group staying at Casa Iscaja. We hope to host you again!

Wow, wow, wow! Our trip to Costa Rica and our stay at Casa Iscaja was absolute perfection. The beauty of Carrillo was only matched by the hospitality we received at Casa Iscaja. Gerado was so kind and helpful booking a fishing adventure and getting some of the freshest tuna and shrimp we’ve ever had. Eileth’s cooking was simply amazing. We were so lucky to try her delicious Costa Rican dishes, made with such care. The dinners she prepared for us was above and beyond any food we had at a restaurant.  Our children found new favorites in her plantains and picadillo. Chatting with Monkeys in the trees, searching for geckos on the porch curling at night, and swimming in what feels like the tip of paradise are just a few of the wonderful memories from our trip. Our trip and stay in your amazing house is beyond everything we hoped for.

Thank you so much, Sarah, for your very kind words. It has been a great pleasure to host you, and we are blessed to have Elieth and Gerardo helping us. We do hope to host you again in the near future!

We really enjoyed our stay. We were 4 couples traveling together so it was a perfect set up with 4 spacious rooms with their own attached bathrooms. Perhaps the best part about the stay was the hospitality and home cooking of Elieth and Gerardo, the two housekeepers. Elieth cooked us two delicious meals at a very affordable price. We watched the sunset from the infinity pool every evening. 5 minute drive to Playa Carillo and about 15 minute drive to Samara. Hardest thing was getting up the steep gravel road to get to the house. A couple of our taxis/shuttles picked us up at the bottom of the hill but it was only a few minutes walk. Would 100% come back!

Thank you George, for your kind words. It was a true pleasure to host all of you. And yes, we so agree with you that Elieth and Gerardo are truly wonderful. We would love to welcome you again at Casa Iscaja!

Thank you for your compliment, Matthew! We are indeed blessed with Elieth and Gerardo. All of us would love to host you again!

The most incredible stay. Carla and John are wonderful hosts and the trip was magical. Thank you!

Thank you Elise for your kind words! We hope to host you again in the near future!

Stunning view and house.  Not for small children as it has large vistas looking out over the ocean and pool but sharp drop offs.  The house comes with two amazing caretakers who cooked our breakfast and keep the grounds stunning and yet you have the privacy without them being intrusive in anyway as their living quarters are in a different location from the living space.  Also feels very secure and private while having their guidance and support when you need it.  They only speak Spanish so use translate app if you don't speak the language.   world class experience

Thank you so much for your kind review. We do hope to host you again, and wish you the very best, Carla & John

The house is amazing, like out of a magazine. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the house staff who pointed out a whale playing in the ocean, which was visible from the terrace. Magical! The morning breakfasts prepared by the house staff were so yummy, and they took great care to clean throughout our time there. The house was impeccably clean and set up for indoor/outdoor living. Definitely book a horseback ride with Horse Jungle, they were great with kids. Ziplining with Wingnuts, Surf lessons with Tico’s, and a fishing trip we’re other highlights. We caught 4 giant Mahi Mahi in the first 45 minutes!

Thank you very much for renting Casa Iscaja and your very kind review. It was a great pleasure hosting you and we hope that you come and visit us again in the not too distant future!

Wonderful stay! Beautiful location, beautiful home, and wonderful caretakers. Will stay again.

Thank you, Michael. It was a pleasure to host you and your family. We hope to host you again!

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this home and the hosts and their housekeepers. The home and views are absolutely stunning and I am certain anyone visiting will have the same experience. A cooked breakfast every morning to get the day started was such a great option also. Plenty of room for all the family to hang together or enjoy their own private space. Thank you so much John and Carla for everything

Thank you very much for your generous review. It always makes us happy to know how much our guests have enjoyed their stay at Casa Iscaja. It has been a true pleasure to have hosted you!

Our stay at Casa Iscaja was magical! My husband and I agreed it was the best travel experience we have ever had to-date; from the eco-minded community, wildlife, local food, and beach, we cannot wait to return. We want to express our gratitude to Elieth and Gerardo. They are wonderful people. We feel lucky to have met them. The highest praise for making the home comfortable, with warmth and thoughtful guidance throughout our stay. We can’t wait to visit Puerto Carrillo for years to come. Thank you for sharing your slice of Pura Vida life!

Thank you so much for your kind words! We really hope to welcome your family again!

I’m not sure that words can describe how much our family enjoyed our stay in this beautiful home. It was truly hard to leave each day because the views and pool were calling to us! Elieth and Gerardo are the most precious hosts and spoiled us with their hospitality.  We saw so much wildlife in the area and from the house. Book reading while gazing at the view was such a treat. We spent our last day discussing and planning a return trip!

Absolutely perfect in every way.  This is a stunning home on a gorgeous stretch of coast with breathtaking views, and no detail is overlooked.  Our group of two families had more than enough room to spread out, and enjoyed the pool and the multiple outdoor spaces from sunrise until we turned in for the night.  The furnishings were lovely, the bedrooms extremely comfortable, the kitchen perfectly appointed.  John and Carla were very communicative and helpful as we planned our trip, and while we were there, Gerardo and Elieth were so kind and welcoming, and made us wonderful breakfasts, helped us find surfboards, arrange a snorkeling trip,  and gave us great local recommendations.  This stretch of Costa Rica is still a bit quiet (that's what makes it so special!), and this house is an amazing home base.  This was a trip we will never forget,  we hope to be back soon.

Thank you Tally, for your kind words. We are always happy to hear that people have enjoyed their stay at Casa Iscaja. We hope to welcome you again in the near future.

A trip of a lifetime! Thank you so much John and Carla for sharing your incredible home. All of us felt completely pampered and fortunate to experience Costa Rica for the first time in the most perfect place. We’ve raised the bar now and can’t go back to anything less. Gerardo and Eli made our stay even better. Thank you

This is a beautiful home with breathtaking views. We watched a different sunset over Playa Samara almost every night - each more spectacular than the next. We were able to see whales and monkeys and a variety of birds from the outdoor living space...truly a memorable experience! We stayed for the month of August and John and Carla (owners) were in frequent contact to ensure everything was going well. The caretakers, Elieth and Gerardo, could not have been more hospitable.

Dear Skip, thank you so much for your kind and generous response. Wishing you and your family all the very best.

This is an absolutely amazing place. It is family friendly and has stunning views. I highly recommend it. My entire family had a wonderful week. We enjoyed the tremendous hospitality of John and Carla as well as Elieth and Gerardo.

Perfection. This house was beyond our expectations. It is more beautiful than the pictures and is maintained in excellent condition. The owners were very proactive in communicating with us prior to and throughout our stay. The housekeepers were exceptional - very welcoming and always helpful whenever needed. You truly feel you like you are in paradise - unobstructed views, complete privacy, and plenty of wildlife to enjoy from the house. The quality of the furnishings and bedding was exceptional. A few things I would like to address from other reviews we had read before our stay. Directions - the house is very easy to get to - the homeowners directions are very clear and it is also listed in Waze. Car - we had a 4x4 vehicle and felt that it was necessary. Bugs - this is outdoor living which is what we wanted and enjoyed sitting outside every evening. I couldn’t recommend this home more - we loved it very much.

David, thank you so much for your very kind and generous review. We do try to maintain the highest standards and Elieth and Gerardo are a great help in achieving these. We hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again someday in the future. Very best wishes from us both.

Excellent location! The food that was cooked was delicious!! We had dinner at the house very night because the food was so good. The views were spectacular and it was a short drive to the main town!

One of the most amazing places we’ve stayed!  Pictures can not describe the beauty of the home and view. We enjoyed every minute.

This is a must stay home on the Guanacaste coast! We’ve stayed many places in Costa Rica (and internationally) and this home with its views, amenities and caretakers are some of the best we’ve experienced. John and Carla are phenomenal communicators and Gerardo and Elieth, the caretakers on site, pay attention to every little detail and ensure your Costa Rican experience is top-notch. Elieth also made our family a traditional Costa Rican dinner and created an experience that will stay with us forever. We hope future guests enjoy this home as much as our family did.

It was a delight to host you and thank you so much for your kind words. We certainly hope to welcome you again someday in the future. Very best wishes to you all!

Casa Iscaja was a dream! The location, house itself is 10/10 and the housekeepers were super helpful and accessible at all times. We will be back!

Great place! Great views! Our chef Elieth was amazing!

Highly recommend this villa. Host is exceptionally helpful... The view from the dining room table outside was nothing less than absolutely breath taking. Clean oddly..kitchen well stalked and in house chef grocery shopped and prepared all food , orderly and on schedule. I would certainly recommend this gorgeous mansion in the mountains to anyone seeking the ultimate getaway of pure bliss and pleasure .

My family and I have stayed at some fabulous places but we all agree that the views from John and Carla's home, is simply stunning. We were lucky to see whales in the distance from the terrace, and saw birds, howler monkeys, and beautiful flowers. It's amazing. It was quite a treat to have breakfast cooked for us every morning. I was unsure if I would like this added amenity or if I would feel uncomfortable with a stranger's presence. I will admit to feeling uncertain the first day and I am uncomfortable having someone wait on me like that, but by the second day, Elieth made us feel so at ease. The joy of having a meal cooked and the kitchen cleaned after was an incredible treat. Before arriving in CR, John and Carla were so patient and responsive to all my questions. Everyone we encountered in all of Costa Rica was incredibly welcoming and kind. They were all so encouraging of us trying out our limited Spanish.  Because of work, we flew into San Jose, but if you are staying here, definitely fly in Liberia. The house is gorgeous and decorated simply and beautifully. Because of all the gorgeous windows, do bring a sleep mask if you are sensitive to light. The A/C is only in the bedrooms (they work great) but they have ceiling fans both indoors and out so the main living space was comfortable (though we didn't cook much). Also, Eli and Gerardo don't speak a lot of English, so have your translator handy. She was so patient with us trying our Spanish! The road to the house is gravel so I would also recommend a four-wheel, and/or higher clearance vehicle - just to make the ride a little nicer when you go into Puerto Carillo or Samara. We made it just fine without one but did spin some gravel getting up the hill. I would also recommend food and drink shopping before getting to Puerto Carillo if you want more variety and plan to cook at home. It's such a lovely house, I wish I had planned more meals to cook there. We also did the horse-back riding and it was great to be able to ride the horses back to the house (I was a bit sore!). The ride through the forest was likely more interesting for me than for my teenager given we had already seen monkeys before going. We also took a boat tour with Francisco's, which I highly recommend - we were lucky in that we got up close to the dolphins, with them racing the boat; and also saw a mama whale and her baby. It was pretty incredible. John and Carla have our deep gratitude for their hospitality. Pura Vida!

I would highly recommend these accommodations. The view was spectacular and the directions made it very easy to locate the property. Each room had its own bathroom and view. The communication was wonderful and their recommendations of the area was very helpful. We had such an amazing time!!!!

We had an amazing family stay at this beautiful location. The house is very well taken care of, very nice and very tasteful furnished. The unreal surroundings create a paradise like feeling and we watched animals from exotic birds to monkeys to whales from the comfort of the pool. The pictures very much live up to the real thing. It is really rear to find something as beautiful and special as Casa Iscaja. Carla, John as well as Gerardo and Elieth took lovely care of us and supported us in any possible way. We will be always thankful and will remember the great time we had in Puerto Carrillo. Pura vida at its best!

Very nice house, excellent view and the kind and cordial attention of Gerardo and Elieth, the house keepers

Muy linda casa, excelente vista y la amable y cordial atención de Gerardo y Elieth , los encargados de la casa

Is not just a nice house..it is an amazing and magic place.

Casa Iscaja has spectacular views from every room and is a beautiful and well-appointed home with plenty of comfortable spaces to relax and enjoy the stunning setting. Gerardo and Elieth provide world-class care for the place and the guests. Our family loved every minute of our stay and hope to return again one day!

We had a great stay in this beautiful house! This house was perfect and over our expectations! The best Airbnb we have stay in so far! The view is just perfect! We even saw wales from the house! The acomodations are great, clean and well distributed for all to have privacy. Breakfast is delicious !!!

I have no words to describe my experience in this house. It's just unbelievable!  The best sunsets of my life, the sky full of stars, birds and animals that you can watch ... Gerardo and Elieth are very kind and attentive people, look after the house and cook breakfasts.  Nothing to wish for more, book without a doubt!

Home is beautiful & the staff in the home was amazing. I HIGHLY recommend everyone gets there durning the day because once the sun goes down you have no street lights and you are not able to see any of the land marks that the host described to help . There was no real address or location from the host that takes you directly to the home . We were lost for hours and ended up going to Samara police for help , because host was not answering or responding. Home has a open layout so expect bugs outside and inside the home . Staff was again great , breakfast and dinner was delicious. And the gentleman there even helped set up all our excursions.

We are sorry that Brittany got lost but we cannot change the fact that there are no "proper" addresses (such as in the US) in this part of Costa Rica.  Brittany's remark that that the property is further from the airport (Liberia) than stated is absolutely incorrect - it is 2 1/4 hours as stated by us. None of our earlier guests have ever complained about this as far as we are aware.  We are happy to hear that Brittany. all in all, enjoyed her stay!

John was very easy to communicate with. His house is a gem in Carrillo. Normally you don’t find this kind of spaces easily in Costa Rica. I will be back for sure!

Pura Vida! If you’re contemplating whether or not to book this villa, I hope this review helps make the decision much easier for you!! This villa has by far been the BEST place my family and I have ever stayed during a vacation. For starters, the view is unbeatable. I guarantee you will never find a better ocean view than the one offered at this spectacular villa! And to top it off, there’s a huge pool that overlooks the never ending and breathtaking Pacific Ocean. The layout of the home is absolutely perfect. It’s very open and easily accommodated our family of five. We were welcomed and felt right at home at this villa thanks to the lovely caretakers. Every morning we woke up to a delicious breakfast. And every night after a fun eventful day, we had the pleasure of enjoying a wonderful dinner and a swim in the pool. We couldn’t have asked for a better vacation spot. The location is a little remote in terms of getting there, but not too far from town and two huge beaches. There are a never ending list of activities you can partake in during your stay. All you need is a 4x4 car to enjoy all this location has to offer. The local people are very kind, helpful, and easygoing. If safety is a concern for you like it is for our family, you have nothing to worry about with this villa. Everything about our stay was amazing. The only complaint we had was the fact that we had to leave this beautiful paradise. We will definitely be coming back as soon as possible!

Remarkably, the pictures of John and Carla's home do not do it justice.  At the risk of exaggeration, the home is a jewel, a carefully designed retreat, nestled gently on jungle heights overlooking an aquamarine sea.  We have stayed at Four Seasons resorts that cannot compare with the value of this special place.  There is the infinity pool with ocean views for days, daily breakfast service that changes with preferences, and a home that is simply, yet elegantly designed.  Truly, the home is a fantastic value, a place to be savored and enjoyed.   John and Carla are excellent hosts and are quick to respond to requests or needs.  Their housekeepers also keep the home sparkling clean without intruding on family time and personal space.  We loved our stay and hope to return!

Thank you so much Ben. You were the perfect guests and we hope to welcome you to the house again in the future.

A wonderful place, a new very comfortable house with fantastic views of the pacific ocean. We loved the small hippy town with great bars and restaurants.

4BR Luxury Villa